Transcript Name of presentation

Resume and Cover Letter
Writing Strategies
Objectives
• To learn effective resume and cover letter writing
techniques and strategies that capture
employers’ attention
• To understand how to communicate your value
statement by combining business objectives to
your accomplishments
• The next step: requirements and services to
improve your resume
Define Competencies
• Competencies are defined as any skill, knowledge,
ability, or other attribute that is observable and
accounts for success at work.
• They are defined in terms of patterns of behaviour
that successful employees display to achieve
results.
• Because they are defined in terms of behaviours,
competencies are necessarily observable and
therefore measurable.
Competencies Most Sought
• Communication
Positive attitude
• Problem solving
Interpersonal/teamwork
• Research
Negotiation/ability to
influence and persuade
• Organization and time
management
Leadership
• Flexibility/change
agent
Creativity/innovation
• Decision making/good
judgment
Ability to learn
Critical thinking
Typical Posting
OPG Risk & Assurance Services (RAS) is an integral part of the company's strategy. We provide a variety of risk
assurance and advisory services to our internal business clients. RAS staff benefit from broad functional exposure
(Operations, Finance, IT, etc.), challenging work assignments and interaction with senior management. In the
current environment of organizational, regulatory, and market change there has not been a more exciting and
challenging time to join the RAS team!
In this RAS placement, you may have the opportunity to be involved in any of the following projects:
Working with RAS team members to develop and document understanding of individual business processes
throughout OPG
Participating in risk assessments and project planning
Working with RAS teams to evaluate the integrity of processes throughout OPG
Recommending improvements to existing processes and risk management controls to ensure risks are mitigated
to acceptable levels
Performing benchmarking and other research, including industry best practices, standards and other audit-related
process and control research
Preparing audit work papers and maintaining electronic work paper database
Supporting a variety of current departmental self-improvement initiatives
Assisting RAS staff with website updates
Recent projects and reviews students have been involved in include: Government Research, Annual Audit Risk
Assessment and Planning, Whistleblower Program, Fraud Risk Assessments, Staff Resourcing, Nuclear Waste
Management and Sarbanes Oxley.
The ideal candidate will be a self-starter who is client-focused, disciplined and innovative. We value excellent
communication, organizational and interpersonal skills as this position requires interaction with senior
management. You must also be able to work well individually as well as in a team.
Typical Posting
Inimex Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a privately held biopharmaceutical company
dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of new
medicines based on the selective modulation of the innate immune response.
These medicines show promise for the safe and effective treatment of a broad
spectrum of serious unmet medical needs. Through our actions we expect to
offer New Approaches and New Medicines to patients and physicians
worldwide.
The project involves the study of cell responses to Inimex compounds and their
dependence on various stimuli and inhibitors. The cellular effect will be
measured by a variety of methods such as ELISA, Western blot, RT-PCR and
reporter systems. The results will be interpreted to identify signalling pathways
and analyse the mechanism of action of Inimex compounds. Training in relevant
techniques will be provided.
Resume writing: Basic content
Your resume should include:
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Personal information
Education
Work experience
Extracurricular experience
Volunteer experience
Awards and Scholarships
Memberships/Associations
Omit:
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Gender, age, martial status
Social insurance number
Detailed interests or hobbies
A list of courses taken
Your past supervisor’s name
or contact information
Choosing a Resume Format
Ineffective resume formats:
• A functional format that focuses on skill areas not
work history
• Using a template
• Too much text, resume looks crowded
Sample…….
3352 SOUTHSHORE BLVD • VINELAND STATION ON • L0R 2E0 • PHONE 905 562 8489
CATHY THOMPSON
EDUCATION
•Brock University, St. Catharines ON
•-BBA graduate
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
•Trustworthiness, Organization
•-dealt with classified information daily as a brokerage assistant at CIBC
Wood Gundy.
•-completed various tasks for the brokers, including scheduling client
meetings, and organizing a client database.
•Leadership, Time management
•-planned and organized weekly activities and outings for children and youth
at a local community center
•-recruited, trained, and coordinated volunteers to assist in facilitating
programs.
•Accounting,
•-ensured payment of invoices, administered payroll, accounted for patient
and OHIP revenues, analyzed referral patterns, completed cost analyses,
contributed input for improvements.
•Responsibility
•-Managed full houses of guests at a Bed and Breakfast; greeted guests,
recommended destinations, made bookings, received payments
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Out of the Cold, Niagara Falls and St. Catharines
prepared and served food to homeless/less fortunate people
Central Church, St. Catharines
organize and run weekly children’s program
Brock Finance and Investment Club
attend weekly meetings, network with other students/professionals
REFERENCES
Dr. Anthony Cabrera – Owner, Cabrera Eye Clinic
Maggie Buckley – Owner, Wine Country Manor
(289) 213-1766
(905) 988-3724
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368 Glenridge Avenue
St. Catharines, ON, L2R 4T5
(905) 688-5550
Deborah Greer
To find full time employment with opportunities to advance
Objective
Experience
2005- Present
Arbor Shoes
Toronto, ON
Sales Associate
Increased sales from $50 million to $100 million.
Doubled sales per representative from $5 million to $10 million.
Suggested new products that increased earnings by 23%.
2004-2005
Ferguson and Bardwell
South Ridge, WA
District Sales Manager
Increased regional sales from $25 million to $350 million.
Managed 250 sales representatives in 10 Western states.
Implemented training course for new recruits — speeding profitability.
1980–1984
Duffy Vineyards
Senior Sales Representative
Expanded sales team from 50 to 100 representatives.
Tripled division revenues for each sales associate.
Expanded sales to include mass-market accounts.
South Ridge, WA
1975–1980
Lit Ware, Inc.
South Ridge, WA
Sales Representative
Expanded territorial sales by 400%.
Received company’s highest sales award four years in a row.
Developed Excellence in Sales training course.
Education
1971–1975
South Ridge State University
B.A., Business Administration and Computer Science.
Graduated summa cum laude.
Interests
South Ridge Board of Directors, running, gardening, carpentry, computers.
Tips
Select text you would like to replace, and type your information.
South Ridge, WA
Choosing a Resume Format
Ineffective resume formats:
• Choosing a functional format that focuses on skill
area’s not work history
• Using a template
• Too much text, resume looks crowded
Effective:
• Use a reverse chronological order
• Use a consistent format (not a template)
• Leave plenty of white-space (one inch margins)
Personal Information
Incorrect
Carol Jones
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346 Glen Avenue
St. Catherines, ON, L2R 3A1
[email protected]
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Or
Xiu Ming
77 King Street
St. Catharines, ON
(905) 688-5550
Correct
Your first and last name
Your street address, city, province
and postal code
St. Catharines – memorize it!
Professional email address
Laura Cole
572 Thompson Street
St. Catharines, Ontario, L2S 3A1
(905) 688-5550
[email protected]
Personal Information
• Include your current
and permanent
address
Education
Common Mistakes:
• Using plural form of degree “Bachelor’s of….” or “Master’s”
Correct:
• “Bachelor of…..” singular
• Incorrect format of degree or short forms:
“BSc”, “BA” or “BBE, BBA”
Correct:
• Bachelor of Arts, concentration in Theatre Co-op
• Bachelor of Science, Computer Science Co-op
• Include the city and province
• Include your start and current status in program
Awards and Scholarships
• Make a separate sub-heading
highlighting:
-academic achievements
-awards
-all scholarships
-grade point average above 80%
• Include dates (e.g. September 2005)
Joe Smith
67 Melrose Place, St.Catharines, Ontario,
L2R 3C4
(905) 555-1234
[email protected]
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry, Co-op Option
• Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario
September 1999-May 2003
AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
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Science Letter and 2 stars for exceeding participation points in intramural activities
Dean’s Honour Roll (1999)
Entrance scholarship – George Rasula Memorial $2,500.00
Work Experience
Strategic techniques:
1. Categorize your work experience
-a list of chronological career related experiences
versus list of chronological work experiences
Sample…
Sample: Before and After
Work Experience
Marker/Grader, Brock University,
St. Catharines, Ontario
September 2006 - Present
Associate, The Gap,
Mississauga, Ontario
May 2006 – August 2006
Customer Service Representative, TD Canada Trust
Oshawa, Ontario
May 2005 – August 2005
Account Assistant, The Landerson Group
London, Ontario
January 2005 – April 2005
Finance Related Experience
Customer Service Representative, TD Canada Trust
Oshawa, Ontario
May 2005 – August 2005
Account Assistant, The Landerson Group
London, Ontario
January 2005 – April 2005
Other Work Experience
Marker/Grader, Brock University,
St. Catharines, Ontario
September 2006 - Present
Associate, The Gap,
Mississauga, Ontario
May 2006 – August 2006
Work Experience
Strategic techniques:
2. Use industry keywords and business language
Articulate your work experience based on business
objectives and how your accomplishments met those
objectives.
Sample….
Samples: Poor, Better, Best
Poor:
• Operated cash register
Better:
• Handled cash and credit card transactions
Best:
• Reduced transaction errors by 30% by developing a
merchandise exchange tracking system
Samples: Poor, Better, Best
Poor:
• Stacked pool supplies in secure area
Better:
• Participated and documented annual inventory
counts
Best:
• Reduced costs associated with seasonal
merchandise by reviewing consumer purchasing
activities and managing inventory accordingly
Work Experience Content
• Achievement + Competency + Your Task
• Every bullet must contain all three
elements
• Content should be delivered in the above
order
• Ask yourself after every bullet you create
– “would I consider this an important piece
of information if I was recruiting for the
position of XXXX?”
Elements of a Value Statement
• The best value statements have a financially oriented proposition
that speaks to critical issues an organization is facing
• It should include specific numbers or percentages
Strong value propositions deliver tangible results like:
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Increased revenues
Faster time to market
Decreased costs
Improved operational efficiency
Increased market share
Decreased employee turnover
Improved customer retention levels
Samples: Before and After
Before:
Customer Service Representative
Remmel Corporation, St. Catharines
May 2006-Present
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Used effective interpersonal skills to communicate and resolve problems; deal with
payment collection issues
__________________________________________________________
After:
Customer Service Representative
Remmel Corporation, St. Catharines
May 2006-Present
 Collected delinquent credit accounts with balances up to $10,000 on a
daily basis.
 Negotiate mutually beneficial arrangements through the procurement of
successful payment commitments and the management of account
information using the TS.Y.S. (Total Systems Banking Software)
Samples: Before and After
Before:
Sales Associate / Key holder
Danier Leather, Niagara Falls, ON
July 2006 - Present
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As a sales associate and key holder I have learned the importance of meeting personal and
store sales goals, listening closely to each customer, asking the right questions, following
store standards and wardrobing. I’ve also learned how extremely important customer
service and organization is in the retail industry, especially when taking and following up on
special orders, being an expert on our product and anticipating our customers’ needs and
wants.
_________________________________________________________________
Sales Associate / Key holder
Danier Leather, Niagara Falls, ON
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July 2006 – Present
Exceeded monthly sales targets by 20% for a six month period by reorganizing
merchandising displays
Retained client base representing 25% of store sales by developing a follow up
calling system
Reduced inventory control issues by implementing a loss prevention program
Samples: Before and After
Before:
• Ensure the vegetable and fruit produce is watered daily,
and stock replenished throughout my shift
Or:
• Reduced costs associated with spoiled product by paying
close attention to product condition and availability
Before:
• Worked as part of a catering team setting up tables,
serving food and cleaning up after the event
Or:
• Eliminated unnecessary duplication in banquet services by
recommending a creative alternative that called for clearer
division of responsibilities, and a rotation of employees
through various front line positions
Additional Content of a Resume
• Additional Qualifications
– Languages
– Computer skills
– Additional training or certification
• Remember to include date of certifications
• Extracurricular Involvement
– Volunteer, Community, Association Membership, Clubs
• Remember to indicate the duration of your involvement
• These should be listed in the same format as your work
experiences
– Title, Organization, City, Province and outcomes or
accomplishments
Sample Extra Curricular section
References
• References: use “Available upon request”
– Place references on a separate page
– Include personal information at the top (copy
from resume)
– Provide three references:
• 2 work references are preferred
• Academic references are acceptable
• Make sure to ask your references for
permission to use their name
Sample Reference Page
Remember…
• An effective value statement describes what you
do in terms of tangible business results
• It draws interest and shares a success story
within a few words
• You are not your audience – think like an employer
Resume Basics
• Two-page resume (single sided)
• Use clean, simple fonts
• Use a font size of 12
• Check spelling and grammar
Resume Basics
• Consistently use past or present tense
• Have a consistent format and don’t overuse bold,
underlining, italics and shading
• Make your resume unique – don’t copy from
templates or samples
• Keep it recent to 5 years
Questions?
Cover Letter Writing
Provides a tool for analysis of your:
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Written communication skills
Organization skills
Abilities and accomplishments
Social skills
Focus and goals
The Job Posting
• Analyze the job posting and look for:
– Competencies
– Business objectives or goals
– Industry key words
– Skills
Date
Employer information
-first and last name, title
-Full company name and
address
}
Address the letter to a specific person
-“Dear Ms. Cockell,”
-Avoid “Dear Sir or Madame,”
-Avoid “Dear Jennifer Cockell,”
}
Paragraph 1: Why you are writing
-State the job title
-The company name
-Where and when you saw the posting
}
-Quote the job code/number if instructed
Cover Letter Writing
Sample: Paragraph 1
It was with great interest and enthusiasm that I read your
advertisement for a Human Capital (HC) Practice, Summer
Associate #JC11555CA through the Deloitte job board
online. My 2 years of Human Resource Management
experience align with the qualifications required for this
position.
Paragraph 2: Evidence that you exhibit
how your experiences match the
employer’s needs
}
-Summarize your skills as they related to
the skills and competencies outlined in
the job posting
-focus on the top two or three business
objectives, skills or competencies
outlined in the job posting
-Include your value statement using
business language and financial
outcomes or measurements
Cover Letter Writing
Sample: Paragraph 2
In the last two years in the capacity of project leader, I have
developed creative and innovative solutions to operational
issues. For example, in response to a decrease in productivity
and employee morale, I developed an integrative service
training program. This program emphasized employee
interaction and feedback, with a variety of technical learning
tools. As a result of this training program, the U of T campus
was able to operate with 12% fewer employees.
Cover Letter Writing
Sample: Paragraph 2
Throughout my three years of client services
experience…..
Furthermore, by cultivating my problem solving
skills, I had the opportunity to build invaluable
partnerships with clients, resulting in 18%
increased sales while refining my interpersonal
skills.
Paragraph 3: Your research of the employer
-evidence of your research
-why this employer/job appeals to you
-common values and beliefs
}
Cover Letter Writing
Sample: Paragraph 3
My review of your company website suggests that
your core values include social responsibility to the
community. I was particularly impressed with your
$50,000 employee-raised contribution to the
Community Cares food bank, as I have volunteered at
our local community shelter for the past 8 months.
Paragraph 4: Closing
-request an interview
-thank the reader for their time and
consideration
-indicate your contact information
}
Cover Letter Writing
Sample: Paragraph 4
I would great appreciate the opportunity to personally
describe my potential contributions in more detail and I look
forward to a personal meeting at your convenience. I can be
reached at (905) 688-5050. Thank you for your time and
consideration.
I would welcome the opportunity of an interview for the
position Associate and I can be reached at (905) 688-9614
should you have any questions. Thank you for your time.
-“Yours truly” or “Regards”
-Your first and last name
Cover Letter Writing - Tips
-No more than one page
-Take the time to research and address the letter to a
specific person
-Check and double-check spelling and grammar
-Customize your letter to each job
www.brocku.ca/co-op